Mary-Jo Romaniuk appointed vice-provost (libraries and cultural resources)

I am pleased to announce, after a broad international search, that Dr. Mary-Jo Romaniuk has been appointed vice-provost (libraries and cultural resources), for a renewable term of five years, effective Sept. 1, 2018.  

Dr. Romaniuk joins UCalgary from the University of Manitoba, where she has been university librarian since 2014. Romaniuk is a leader in the field, with a clear understanding of the importance of research libraries to the academy, student experience, innovation and discovery. In her role at University of Manitoba, she initiated master planning to reinvest in their facilities, and worked collaboratively with faculties to reimagine more diverse library spaces. With a focus on user needs, she added technology and new services to create memorable experiences for new and returning students. She encouraged and supported inclusivity, particularly through enhanced programs, services and scholarly dissemination to support Indigenous students.

“I am thrilled to join UCalgary, a wonderful opportunity to be a vital part of a dynamic and energized community that values teaching, research and its communities,” says Romaniuk. “Libraries and Cultural Resources are integral to the academic and research experience and I look forward to building on the strong foundation that exists at UCalgary.”

Prior to working at the University of Manitoba, she was the acting chief librarian at the University of Alberta, where she was awarded a Library Journal Mover and Shaker award by Library Journal for creating a partnership with the Edmonton Public Library to address students’ needs more appropriately. She led data curation and preservation initiatives at the University of Alberta, and was instrumental in the acquisition of the Sam Steele papers. While at University of Alberta, she advocated successfully on behalf of all academic libraries to maintain the funding for the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library. Romaniuk fosters innovation, creativity, and uses emergent technologies to solve problems and advance strategic directions.

She holds a PhD from Queensland University of Technology, an MLIS from San Jose State University and a BComm with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan.

Libraries and Cultural Resources encompasses University of Calgary Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, the University of Calgary Press, Nickle Galleries, Library and Archives and the Founders’ Gallery at The Military Museum, and the University of Calgary Copyright Office. This broad portfolio is a hub of activity for UCalgary, responsible for important initiatives that affect the discovery and research activities of our entire campus.

The Advisory Search Committee, which represents a broad stakeholder group, was struck in 2017 and conducted an extensive international search. Special thanks to all members of the committee, which included: Brian Moorman (vice-president research designate), Leanne Morrow (academic staff representative), Annie Murray (academic staff representative), Sandra Hoenle (TUCFA representative), Richard Sigurdson (decanal representative), Lisa Young (provost team representative), Rowena Johnson (MaPS representative), Douglas McDonnell (AUPE representative), Tina Miller (SU representative), Kelsey Pennanen (GSA representative), Murray McGillivray (GFC representative), Dianne Gereluk (GFC representative), and Jill Tynan (community representative).

Please join me in congratulating Mary-Jo in her new position at the University of Calgary.

Dru Marshall
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)